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Re: How many of you guys own a BMW for status only

I will join Roy in this question. There is no doubt that BMWs are certainly more expensive than a host of other "premium" cars, but those that own them are certainly more passionate about the BMW experience than others seem to be. My question like Roy's- is there the quality year after year in owning a BMW? In other words, is it worth the investment you put in the vehicle?
GHoward

Re: Poll result would be biased on a message board

I agree the Poll would be biased. A person buying for status wouldn't be visiting this board. I am a BMW nut so my opinion is biased too, but if you enjoy the driving experience than BMW is worth it. The quality is definitely better than other vehicles. Besides my 3 series, I have a 96 Z3 that still runs like it was new. Of course there is maintenence, but that is part of any car.

If you're looking for a practical sports sedan or

coupe with nice appearance, a sweet engine, great performance, lux interior, and a stick shift, what else are you going to direct me to? I can give you reasons for not buying anything else that might fit the above requirements among the few that qualify.
Few Mercs in the US have standard shifts. Audi's come close, but I'd rather not pay for nor repair AWD.

right on. and let's not forget the sport package!

my first BMW was a '00 323i without the sport package. BIG mistake. Was quiet as a mouse but cornered like a Buick. Then bought a '02 325i with the ZSP, and have been hooked ever since. BMWs really are the ultimate (daily) driving machine, but they *gotta* have the sport pack! When I see one without it, I think they're driving it for the badge, unless it's an xi, where you don't have a choice.

Mercedes fits that bill

However I am almost embarrassed by my conspicuous consumption at times
owning one of these fine cars. I would really like a Porsche but it just isn't practical as I would really want to drive it a 100mph at that would mean big trouble

Great minds travel the same roads!

Porsche has been on my mind for years. love to drive cross country in one, but how much luggage for two can you fit in there for more than a month away from home? And do I want to park it in motel parking lots every night?
Buy Hey, my e46 did 127 out in W Texas easily when I dropped it back into 5th gear. Moments after I realized what a jerk I was for doing that, and promised myself I'd never do it again.
I still can't get the Autobahn out of my system during ED.

While I agree you are paying extra for the Roundel

How many other cars have one the Car and Driver award for the last
10 years. And a lot of the contenders used BMW as there model
for a sport coupe/sedan market. And the fact the BMW has a turbo now is probably a result of that competition.

True, but you can sneak it into small econo-cars

with sporting pretensions, such as the entry level Hyundai's, VW's, etc. Problem is the manual comes stock in the cars, but then when you opt for the bigger engine, the only offering is an auto or my hated SMG choice in some sporting cars.
I have had tons of good fun tossing around Accents with a manual down in Costa Rica. Feels like little buzz-bombs.

Yes, the bigger engine = SMG or auto

You are right, the marketing hacks often package the bigger engine with SMG or the equivalent. That is why the E39 was unique 10 years ago; one could order manual with any engine. Not many dealers stocked it this way, so patient buyers had to order their car and wait a few months. But BMWNA enforced some other odd combinations. For example, the E39 touring was only available with the 2.5 or 4.0. Why not the 3.0? And why not cloth seats in any of the US cars? Why not offer the individual program? How could that possibly be a detriment to the brand? I think the marketing types can sometimes be way off base. They ruined Volvo by turning away the traditional customer base.